Beacon Lane Trail (Lighthouse Park), West Vancouver

Beacon Lane Trail is the perfect trail to attempt on the rainy days of spring on the West Coast. It’s a short, quick route that takes you within spitting distance of one of the area’s most recognizable and historic landmarks: Point Atkinson lighthouse. With its extensive network of trails and stunning scenery, Lighthouse Park is extremely popular with local hikers, dog walkers and folks just out for a leisurely stroll.

GETTING THERE

In West Vancouver, head westbound along Marine Drive. As you emerge from the shopping and business section, the roadway will narrow and make its way along the coastline. Continue past Caulfield Cove Marina and watch for the sign marking Lighthouse Park on your left. Turn left on Beacon Lane and continue until you reach the parking lot. If driving is not your thing, the route is also easy to access on transit.

TERRAIN

Wide, compact gravel paths with paved sections. Expect little to no sun since the majority of the trail is shaded by trees. The trail slopes downward as it travels toward the water (great on the way out, not so much on the way back).

STROLLER RECOMMENDATION

Umbrella, all-terrain or anything in between.

LENGTH

Departing from the parking lot, it takes just 10-15 minutes to get to the gate at the end of the trail. If the gate is open, the public is welcome to venture a little closer to get a better view of the lighthouse and accompanying scenery. Because of the steady slope, plan about double the time for the return trip to the parking lot.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEATURES

Lighthouse Park has limited family-friendly amenities but does come equipped with picnic tables and stroller-accessible washrooms (with no change tables). Along the trail you’ll find a few benches perfect for taking a rest on the uphill climb back to the parking lot.

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS

The highlight of this trail has to be the view at the end. With a stroller, you won’t be able to venture up the rocky path up to the official viewpoint, so if you’re comfortable doing so, it may be worth unstrapping junior and carrying him the last little bit. The payoff is worth the extra effort.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

There are several other parks in the area so if you have to travel a ways to get to Lighthouse Park, plan on hitting at least a few of the others to make the venture worthwhile.

GOOD TO KNOW

The park is in an ecologically sensitive area, so stay on the marked trails and observe all park notices during your visit.

IMPORTANT: Any adventure in the outdoors carries a certain level of risk. The route information and maps contained in this blog are provided as rough guidelines only and are based on just one person's experience. Baby Meets Trail and its authors are not responsible for any harm that may occur while attempting one of the posted walks. We will, however, take credit if you have an excellent time!

Beaver Lake (Stanley Park), Vancouver

The beavers the lake was named after may be long gone, but Beaver Lake still has lots of interesting wildlife to hold your attention as you make your way around its shore. Whether it’s a stately blue heron, a noisy family of ducks, or one of the park’s many squirrels or racoons, you’ll more than likely get a chance to point out some of these big city animals to your kids. The trail is a popular one with dog walkers, cyclists and birdwatchers, so it can get a wee bit busy at times.

GETTING THERE

From either the North Shore or Downtown, enter Stanley Park and make your way toward Malkin Bowl and the Stanley Park Pavilion (located on Pipeline Road). Parking within the area is limited, so transit is an excellent option. To access the trail, head to the northwest edge of the Rose Garden and look for the trailhead and marker indicating the South Creek Trail. The South Creek Trail meets up with the Beaver Lake trail after a short distance.

TERRAIN

Wide, flat paths of mostly compact gravel. Expect a fair bit of shade as the route travels through Stanley Park’s stunning coastal forest. The route takes you directly along the water’s edge.

STROLLER RECOMMENDATION

Umbrella, all-terrain or anything in between.

LENGTH

Walking at a decent pace, the loop will take about 45 minutes. With plenty of other trail options in the area, it’s easy to extend your walk with any number of alternate routes which are clearly marked.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEATURES

Washrooms (available at the Pavilion), benches, and a playground (including toddler equipment).

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS

The path was designed to accommodate wheelchairs and incorporates several wooden platform rest areas. These are perfect to park the stroller and let little ones out to peer down into the boggy marsh and waters of the lake.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Since the trail is located in the heart of what could arguably be called the greatest park in the world, there are plenty of attractions to stop in at after you’ve rounded the lake. There are the aquarium, miniature train and children’s farmyard, Rose Garden, and Lost Lagoon to name just a few.

GOOD TO KNOW

Do not be tempted to feed the animals. There is plenty of natural food available to all of Stanley Park’s animal residents.

IMPORTANT: Any adventure in the outdoors carries a certain level of risk. The route information and maps contained in this blog are provided as rough guidelines only and are based on just one person's experience. Baby Meets Trail and its authors are not responsible for any harm that may occur while attempting one of the posted walks. We will, however, take credit if you have an excellent time!

Trans Canada Trail, Burnaby

Also known as The Heights Trail, this route takes walkers from North Burnaby to the eastern edge of Vancouver. Because the trail is so well covered by trees, it’s not until the temperature drops and leaves have all fallen that you can truly appreciate the expansive views that this trail offers of the North Shore, Burrard Inlet and Capitol Hill. It’s one trail where the views may actually be better in winter than in other seasons.

GETTING THERE
Start at Confederation Park, located in North Burnaby near the north end of Willingdon Avenue. To access the trail, the parking lot nearest the lawn bowling green is most convenient, so head north on Willingdon until you reach Penzance Dr. and make a right turn. You’ll see the parking lot almost immediately on your right. The trail starts just across the street at the corner of Penzance and Willingdon. If driving is not your thing, the route is also easy to access on transit.

TERRAIN

Wide, compact gravel paths with short paved sections. Expect a mix of sun and shade since the first half is exposed while the second half is almost completely shaded by trees. The trail gently slopes downward as it travels west gradually getting steeper as it enters Vancouver.

STROLLER RECOMMENDATION

Umbrella, all-terrain or anything in between.

LENGTH

Departing from the lawn bowling green parking lot, the trail runs less than 2.5 km to take you all the way to the eastern edge of Vancouver just underneath the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge. To complete the entire trail at a leisurely pace in and out with play stops, plan for about 1.5 hours.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEATURES

Confederation Park has just about any family-friendly amenity imaginable, including washrooms (with change tables), playgrounds, sports fields, a library, and more. Along the trail you’ll find benches, a playground (including toddler equipment), and picnic tables – because who doesn’t love a picnic?

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS

Take in a few of the interpretive signs along the way highlighting area history and ecology.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

The Heights neighbourhood offers great shopping along Hastings St. In the warmer months, the miniature train at the Burnaby Central Railway is a hit with kids (and parents too). Confederation Park itself is worth a visit even in the winter months since it’s home to so many kid-friendly indoor activities at the pool and library.

GOOD TO KNOW

Just as the trail approaches the Ironworkers’ Memorial Bridge, you’ll come to a spot where trains enter and exit a tunnel that takes them under the northern part of Burnaby. Who knew!

IMPORTANT: Any adventure in the outdoors carries a certain level of risk. The route information and maps contained in this blog are provided as rough guidelines only and are based on just one person's experience. Baby Meets Trail and its authors are not responsible for any harm that may occur while attempting one of the posted walks. We will, however, take credit if you have an excellent time!

Shoreline Park Pathway, Port Moody

The Shoreline Park Pathway is fantastic any time of year, but particularly in the fall when it offers some of the most spectacular views of Burrard Inlet and the seasonal colours of fall. Connecting Rocky Point Park on the south side of the inlet to Old Orchard Park on the north side, the route is a smooth, paved pathway, perfect for either a leisurely stroll or a heart-pumping power walk with baby. More adventurous stroller walkers may want to tackle the lower, unpaved trail which runs directly along the shoreline. This rugged route is not recommended without an all-terrain stroller.















GETTING THERE
From St. John’s Street (the main drag in Port Moody), turn left onto Moody Street. Proceed over an overpass and down to the left before making another left onto Murray Street. You’ll see the entrance and parking lot on the left.

TERRAIN
Wide, paved path from start to finish. Aside from a short section which runs directly alongside Murray Street, the path takes you through forested parkland. The trail is so smooth and even, it's a good one to let new walkers out of the stroller to test their legs.

STROLLER RECOMMENDATION
Umbrella, all-terrain or anything in between.

LENGTH
The path is 6 km (return) so it could be managed in less than two hours, but with playgrounds at both ends (yes, that's right...there's more than one playground!), you’ll likely need to plan for a bit more time. If an epic walk is not what you’re after, there are plenty of options to loop back through streets or along adjoining trails.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEATURES
Washrooms (with change tables), playgrounds, spray park (summer months only), beach, benches, covered tables, picnic tables, sports fields, and interpretive signage referencing the local history and plant life.

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS
Piers for gazing out at the inlet, plenty of benches to rest and take in the calm of the forest, and a few historic remnants of the region’s past as a mill town make for a very interesting walk.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
The Inlet Community Garden along Murray Street is worth a visit in the warmer months. The Port Moody Station Museum and Noons Creek Hatchery are two more family-friendly destinations in the neighbourhood.

GOOD TO KNOW
The path is very popular with cyclists, joggers and inline skaters, meaning it can get a bit crowded.


IMPORTANT: Any adventure in the outdoors carries a certain level of risk. The route information and maps contained in this blog are provided as rough guidelines only and are based on just one person's experience. Baby Meets Trail and its authors are not responsible for any harm that may occur while attempting one of the posted walks. We will, however, take credit if you have an excellent time!

Deas Island Regional Park, Delta

If you’ve never been on Deas Island, chances are you’ve at least been under it. Located atop the George Massey Tunnel, the park offers plenty of variety for its relatively compact size. The name is actually a bit of a misnomer, since the “island” has long been connected to the mainland with a roadway. If you can overlook the inaccuracy of its name, the park is a lovely spot to kick through piles of fallen leaves and enjoy a quiet afternoon stroll.










GETTING THERE
Unfortunately, this is one walk you'll pretty much surely need a car to access. From the south end of the George Massey Tunnel, take the second exit and follow the signs for River Road North. A short distance along River Road, you will see signage marking the park entrance. Turn in and park in the first parking lot.

TERRAIN
Wide, flat trails of loose gravel with lengthy sections of sand. The route winds its way through trees along the shores of the island, so expect a fair bit of shade.

STROLLER RECOMMENDATION
In general, large-wheeled strollers will have an easier time on these trails. There are significant sections of sand that would not make for easy pushing if you didn't have large wheels. Umbrella strollers are not recommended for this reason.

LENGTH
Departing from the first parking lot, the trail runs less than 5 km (return). With a few looping options, it’s easy to customize your walk depending on your available time (or how long junior sleeps).

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEATURES
Benches, washrooms (no change tables), picnic tables and large grassy areas are all readily available. Kids young and old may enjoy watching the cars stream into the tunnel from this unique vantage point.

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS
It’s not every day you get to see a shipwreck, but that’s exactly what you’ll see across the water from the southern side of the island. There is also a low tide beach located near the tip of the island which offers a spectacular spot to stop for lunch or just to watch the boat traffic along the river. The views of the Fraser River and Deas Slough are lovely from the trails, but are best seen from atop the viewing tower.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
There are a number of horse stables nearby and the community of Ladner is a short drive down River Road. On the island itself are a few heritage buildings including Delta Agricultural Hall (1894), Burrvilla, a grand home (1906), and Inverholme, one-room schoolhouse (1909). Some folks (myself included) may enjoy watching the traffic enter the tunnel under the island...that's an attraction, right?

GOOD TO KNOW
Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Bikes are only permitted on the roadways throughout the park.


IMPORTANT: Any adventure in the outdoors carries a certain level of risk. The route information and maps contained in this blog are provided as rough guidelines only and are based on just one person's experience. Baby Meets Trail and its authors are not responsible for any harm that may occur while attempting one of the posted walks. We will, however, take credit if you have an excellent time!